Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
The association between lipoprotein(a) levels and ischemic stroke in children: A case-control study
Lotte M de Boer1,2, Albert Wiegman2,3, Robert L A van Gemert2,4
1Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are linked to a higher risk of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). This finding highlights the importance of measuring Lp(a) in children diagnosed with AIS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is a rare but severe condition.
- Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a known risk factor for stroke in adults.
- Data on Lp(a) and pediatric AIS is limited, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between lipoprotein(a) levels and the risk of arterial ischemic stroke in children.
- To determine if elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for pediatric AIS.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving children (≤18 years) diagnosed with AIS.
- Participants were divided into neonates and children older than 29 days.
- Cases were matched with controls for age at Lp(a) testing and sex; multivariable logistic regression was employed.
Main Results:
- Children with AIS showed a higher prevalence of Lp(a) levels >50 mg/dL compared to controls (21.7% vs. 3.2%).
- A significant positive association was found between Lp(a) levels and AIS risk (OR: 1.36 per 10 mg/dL increase).
- Adjusted analysis confirmed the association, considering age, BMI, and measurement assay.
Conclusions:
- Elevated Lp(a) levels are positively associated with an increased risk of AIS in children.
- High Lp(a) may represent an independent risk factor for pediatric AIS.
- Lp(a) measurement is crucial for children presenting with AIS.
Background:
Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is a rare disorder, associated with severe morbidity. In adults, elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a cholesterol-like particle, is associated with ischemic stroke. However, data on Lp(a) and pediatric AIS are scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the association between Lp(a) levels and pediatric AIS.
Methods:
We included children who suffered an AIS (≤18 years) and were treated in a tertiary center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Two groups of children with AIS were identified: (i) neonates and (ii) children older than 29 days. A case-control study was performed, with the latter group as cases and children without AIS as control group. Cases and controls were matched for age of Lp(a) testing and sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.
Results:
Thirteen neonates and 23 children were included. Mean (SD) age of AIS was 0.6 (2.0) days and 9.2 (6.3) years, respectively. Children with AIS were matched to 62 controls. Lp(a) levels of greater than 50 mg/dL were more prevalent in children with AIS compared to controls (21.7% vs. 3.2%, p = .02). A significant association was found between Lp(a) and AIS (odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age at Lp(a) testing, body mass index [BMI], measurement assay: 1.36 per 10 mg/dL increase of Lp(a), 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.82, p = .041).
Conclusions:
In this study, Lp(a) levels were positively associated with the risk of AIS in children, suggesting that high Lp(a) might be an independent risk factor for AIS. This underlines the importance of Lp(a) measurement in children with AIS.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...